Jaguar to show 510-hp XFR, XKR at Detroit show; next-generation XJ to borrow heavily from XF

Jaguar will use the Detroit auto show in January 2009 to launch two high-performance flagships: the XFR and a revamped XKR. Both will come with a new 510-hp, 500-lb-ft, supercharged V-8. To get there, the engine has gained direct gasoline injection and a capacity hike to from 4.2L to 5.0L.The new engine is a substantial performance gain over Jaguar's current 420-hp unit, surpassing present Mercedes sedans and SLs with the (less powerful) 63 AMG engine mainly because they weigh considerably less. Expect 0-62-mph times for the R-massaged Jags down in the mid-four-second range. Both cars are set go on sale in March 2009.In design terms, the XFR will have the more noticeable changes. For both cars, the principal sheetmetal change is a set of large vents in the hoods to keep engine and intercooler temperatures down. But front and rear facias change considerably on the XK and XF and further aid in cooling. There will also be bigger tailpipes. Wheels, brakes and chassis settings will be amended to suit, but the overall tread is unchanged.

In Europe, Jaguar has already released a lower, stiffer version of the XKR called the XKR-S, which has surprising extra ability through curves and feels much more securely bolted to the road than the standard U.S. XKR, itself no boat.Further down the line, work continues on a thorough rework of the XJ sedan for 2011, codenamed X351. The advanced aluminum understructure of the current XJ is retained, but on top the look is all-new. The new XJ is said to be a radical iteration of the forms seen in the XF, but lower, wider, and sleeker, with richer jewelry and lighting.It also reportedly gets the new direct-injection drivetrain and may also get a diesel version for the U.S. market. Jaguar has a capable twin-turbo 2.7L V-6 diesel that will shortly be upgraded to 3.0L and which should push numbers in neighborhood of 250 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.The X351 was already designed when new owner Tata came to Jaguar, but insiders say they liked what they saw so it was pushed ahead.

In the longer run, Jaguar management says it wants to grow overall numbers gradually, and to do so means remaining a company with "more than three models." So the X-Type, no longer on sale in the U.S. but still offered in Europe, will likely be replaced.And while Jaguar has no intention of going into the SUV or crossover realm, the existence of the Land Rover LRX crossover means the two brands can share a small, carlike platform. There is still strong impetus within Jaguar to do a small front-engine roadster. The commonality of BMW's X3 and Z4 is not lost on them, and if Land Rover is building the crossover (all indications are it will), then Jaguar can build the roadster, they say. But we're talking 2012 at the earliest.

Never say never guys. where theres a will theres a way. and im srry to say "serge" but i would never go for a pontiac let alone a dodge, they depreciate in value too fast, most of their lineup is tacky & cheap, and reliability still may be an issue. even though it is a great performance bargain. i would only buy the new challenger from dodge and thats about it. for now im happy with my maxima what kinda whip you got serge?

@aem4dsc Toyota had to add around 200lbs of chasis brasing to keep the IS-F's chaisis from flexing under full throttle corner exits (i think the artile about it's development was on C&D).... and it's one of the slowest cars in the class. People dont pay top dollar for these cars so they can have a rattling lowered suspension or a cheapo interior. They buy them because they are a blend of Porsche speed with the comfort and luxury of a limo, no modified "regular" sports sedan is ever going to offer that. And stop drinking the Japanese cool-aid dude... buy yourself the Pontiac G8 GXP with a proper 6 speed manual, it'll be a little less than $40,000. If 420HP is not enough for you, send it to Lingenfelter... he'll add around 300HP more no problem. You don't need to change the brakes, seats, tires or any of that: just enjoy :)

Proof that only good things can happen when you leave FORD behind. It's quite a nice cat. I've never been a big Jag fan...mostly because they really haven't marketed anything really exciting to the 25-40 crowd. Now this...this I like.

Okay, the camry or maxima was just an example, but since how most of you dont favor FWD vehicles then take a damn lexus is350 in its place still a "sedan" since its rear wheel drive and add all the performance parts with the weight reduction & you basically have an is-f for still relatively less cost. & if your still that worried about the engine not bein able to hold that much HP then cam & vavlve the engine and throw a new tranny in there that can handle the horsepower. problem solved. & "serge" if you pay that much out the ass for performance parts i honestly feel bad for you and thats why you probably feel the need to buy cars like these with all the power upfront. btw: i said nothing about revising the suspension work only stickier tires which isnt gonna run u no 5g's

@aem4dsc Are you on crack??? If a FWD Maxima can hold over 350HP without falling apart I'll be really suprised. But besides that... let's look at the money side of it: CTS-V $65K. Maxima $33K, turbo $8K, suspension work $10K, leather interior $7K, wheels and tires $5K, brakes $5K = $63K Nissan Maxima... so for $63K you get a FUGLY Nissan with LOTS of torque steer, no torque, a still crappy leather interior and you look like a tool. Not to forget that after the first track day the POS will start breaking down here and there...BTW: that would bring the Maxima's 'Ring lap time down to say 10 minutes... I'm too generous, probably 11 to 12.

Cant wait :) love the XF and XK and XJ...While all of these cars are within inches of each other:XF - 195.3"CLS - 193.6"A6 - 193.5"CTS - 191.6"E - 191.2"5 - 191.1"I don't think the XF compares directly to the CTS, E, 5, and A6. I believe it was focused more towards the people who would buy the CLS, people who "need" the convenience of a sedan but are willing to sacrifice some rear sear usablity and visability in order to get a sportier looking vehicle. I think the CTS is the best middle between design and function, with the CLS being the ultimate design and the A6 being ultimate function (lets face it, it's a jelly-bean). Even more so than the exterior styling, the XF and CLS feature interiors with a similar design idea; I do realize that they use completely different looks to achive this. They feature lower than usual seating positions: smaller, sportier seating areas with a high armrest console, along with general interior design geared towards look and feel rather than convenience.

Where you are wrong is the fact that no one WANTS to drive a camry or maxima. All the sedans we're talking about are stylish, world class cars which happens to be status symbol. Who the he** wants to be seen crusing in a maxima?

If its truly performance "sedans" you guys are after, i say screw all of these way overpriced vehicles. you're better off buying something with more everyday practicality and afforadability like a camry or maxima, considering most of the people in line to buy these types of vehicles have deep pockets anyways, its not gonna set you back any by adding a revised intake, exhaust, ignition, fuel system, turbo w/intercooler. You could even put that bitch on a diet and shed 100lbs or so by removing the spare tire, tool kit, and install a lightweight battery and whatever else your willing to take out without turning the cockpit into a total race car. The only thing left would be stickier tires with all that added horsepower & at least some carbon ceramic break pads with a high boiling point break fluid and theyre you have it. that camry or maxima would be able to put up a hell of a fight with any of these "super sedans" and for probably alot less cost even after all the added mods. Am i right or am i wrong?

britishracing is right..the current XF is not a heavy vehicle at all, so i dont think the XFR will be that much heavier..It will be very interesting to see future comparisons with the M5 cts-V and MB C-63..This jag may measure very favorably

Hmmm...A new XJ with radical departure fr/ the old. I dont think that is a good idea for Jaguar. I really like the new direction its headed with the XF and XK, but from a business perspective, Jaguar is going to lose all it previous customers. The S-type is gone and now an XJ replacement, so it doesnt have an "classic" car in its lineup.

this is getting interesting. BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Cadillac V, Audi RS,and Jaguar R. Personally if i could afford all of them the order would be CTS-V,RS6,E63,XFR, and then M5. this isnt a knock agaist the Jag i just love the GM, Audis are beautiful, the Benz is classy,the Jag is the freshman, and the Bimmer that started all of this

It is in the same class. The CTS is in the 5series and E-class zone, and that's exactly where Jag set its sights when it created the XF. Remember this is a replacement for the S-Type.It does however fall short of the mark that just has been laid by the CTS-V. That being said it will be interesting to see how it fairs against the E63, M5, RS6 and CTS-V. I would say power isn't everything and handling is the most crucial but in this class of car power is one big bullet in the sport sedan war.

Erm, I like this car, but there's a problem here. The base XF Supercharged is 62,975. This is gonna be alot more that the Supercharged. The CTS-V already beats the price and preformance of each. Sorry Jag. Then again, Im not sure if the cts and this are in the same class... Am I wrong?